For a lot of students studying at IGNOU review, reviewing studies can be the most challenging section of the work. This is especially the case for those working on the ignou master's degree project where academic rigor is expected but guidance often feels limited. Students usually ask whether they require a summation of their books, refret journal articles or simply collect quotations. The reality is somewhere between, and knowing that the difference can impact the quality of the entire project.

Literature reviews are not intended to demonstrate how much literature you've read. It is written to show how well you comprehend previous work that pertains to your field and how your idea fits in with it. IGNOU evaluations look at this chapter because it reflects your ability to link concepts with research direction.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before beginning any writing, it is important to understand why the section exists in an ignou MCOM project. The review of literature serves three principal purposes.
First, it shows that the topic you selected is one that has been studied in the past and has relevance to academic research. The second is that it assists you to discover gaps or issues in previous studies. Thirdly, it establishes an outline for your research goals and methods.
A majority of students view this chapter as a formality and copy content from earlier assignments or online sources. This typically results in very low marks or projects being rejected. IGNOU is looking for original writing even when discussing the results of existing studies.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU doesn't expect students to write on the scale of an PhD thesis. At the same time the use of very basic explanations is being discouraged. In the case of an ignou mcom assignment the literature review should reflect postgraduate level understanding.
You'll be expected to read books, research papers journal articles, reports, and, sometimes, government publications relevant to your field of study. The focus should be on studies related to the research area you are studying.
For example, if you study is about the financial performance of banks Then your literature review should include earlier studies about financial ratios the performance of banks, profitability analysis, and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
A common mistake made by students is deciding to use too many disparate sources. It's more about quality than quantity. If you are looking to build an ignou mcom business about fifteen to twenty good sources can be found for a good selection.
Excellent sources include academic journals popular books written by well-known author, RBI publications, government reports, as well as university research papers. Websites that have unclear authorship should be avoided.
Always prefer recent studies at least from the last ten years. Older studies can be included only if they're fundamental in nature.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized chapter will improve quality of reading and impression. Instead of writing brief summaries on the fly, separate an overview of literature into logical sections.
The chapter can be organized depending on the theme, the time period as well as the methodology or variables that are studied. For example, one section might discuss studies on profitability, while another could focus on liquidity, and yet another regarding operational efficiency.
This structure aids in understanding that you're more than just copying content. You are actually studying it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The style of writing is to be professional but easy. Avoid overly complicated language and jargon. IGNOU values clarity over complexity.
Each study that you talk about must be accompanied by the name of the author, the year of study, the methodological objective, important findings. Do not, however, list them mechanically. Make sure to connect one study with the other.
When you've discussed the findings of one study, you could explain how another author's work supported or opposed those findings. This type of analysis adds depth to your ignou mcom project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
One frequent error is writing the literature review as the textbook chapter. Discussing fundamental concepts like the definition of accounting, or the meaning of management do not belong in this article unless they are directly linked to prior studies.
Another error is overquoting. Your review of literature should be written by you in an individual way. In the end, paraphrasing is an indication of understanding, while copying indicates dependence.
Students also forget to link books to their own research subject. Each study you discuss should have a clear link to your goals for the project.
Establishing a linkage Literature Review with Research Gap
One of the most important result of the study of literature is to identify the gap in research. IGNOU evaluations expect you to show what earlier researchers missed or indicate where additional research is needed.
After looking over several studies, you'll realize that most studies focused on large corporations but small companies were ignored. The earlier studies also used secondary data, but primary data were not sufficient.
This is why it's the main reason for your Ingou MCOM project. Without it, your project will appear repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
In writing a review of literature an appropriate citation is required. IGNOU generally follows APA style, but the consistency is more important than perfection.
Each study covered must appear in the reference list at the conclusion of the project. A lack of references may raise doubts as to the study's authenticity.
Avoid footnotes for literature review. In text citation works better and appears better in an ignou mcom project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students frequently ask what the length of the review of literature must run. There is no fixed rule but, for an ignou MCOM project this chapter generally spans from fifteen to and two thousand words.
The length should depend on what the topic's difficulty. A larger topic demands additional research while a narrowly focused subject requires less but more extensive discussions.
Inadequately long reviews and no analyses does not increase marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing this way,
Author A looked into the performance of banks and came up with positive results
Write like this
This author conducted a research study on the performance of banks by using financial ratios. The study concluded that profitability improved because of better asset administration. The findings were later confirmed by Author B, who emphasized the role played by operational efficiency in enhancing bank profits.
This approach is based on the ability to analyze and comprehend, which can be valued in an mcom project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU Project MCOM (onolearn.co.il) is a firm believer in plagiarism. Many projects get blocked or rejected because of the use of copied literature reviews. Even if you cite previous research, the language is yours.
Check for plagiarism using tools if possible. If you are able, modify your content to make it sound natural. A sentence that is slightly flawed is much better than perfect copying.
Final Review Before Submission
Before you submit your ignou project, read the review carefully. Check whether each study is relevant, if you can follow the logic of the review, and whether the chapter is logically linked to your research goals.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter clarify why my research is necessary. If yes, you're on the correct track.
Closing Thoughts
Writing a review of literature for an ignou mcom project isn't easy at first especially for those who return to school after a long hiatus. But once you recognize that it's about analysis and connections rather than memorizing, the job becomes manageable.
Spend time reading, think, and write with your own voice. The effort you put into it will show clearly in your final product and can make the difference between an average submission and a impressive one.